Priyank Sharma, the former reality‑TV contestant who rose to prominence on MTV Roadies Rising, Splitsvilla 10 and Bigg Boss 11, has publicly dismissed reports that he will appear in Netflix’s upcoming Lock Upp Season 2. The actor posted a statement on social media on 22 June 2026, clarifying that his reality‑show career ended in 2017 and that he is now concentrating on acting, dancing and stage performances. The clarification comes as the new season of the prison‑themed series, which is set to premiere on 27 June 2026, has generated speculation about a roster that may include Sharma and producer Vikas Gupta.

The rumors that Sharma would join Lock Upp 2 first surfaced on fan forums and social‑media threads that linked him with other high‑profile contestants such as Shivangi Joshi, Sunita Ahuja and Ram Kapoor. The show, created by Ekta Kapoor, will feature 14 celebrities locked in a high‑stakes environment for six weeks, with Farah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh acting as the jailers. While the official contestant list has not yet been released, the speculation has been amplified by the show’s marketing campaign and the popularity of its first season, which concluded in May 2022 with Munawar Faruqui as the winner.

In his statement, Sharma wrote: “So here’s a quick clarification for the media houses and people who are trying to circulate a fake speculation of me being a part of any reality show. This journey ended back in 2017, which is like 8 years ago. Since then, I have focused on my craft and polished my acting and dancing skills so I can come entertain all of you.” He added that “Now the only time you will see me is going to be either on a web show, a film, or me performing on a stage. Happy Sunday and Happy Father’s Day.” The actor’s comment was posted on his verified Instagram account and was widely shared by fans who had been following the rumor cycle.

Sharma’s career began in 2017 when he appeared on MTV Roadies Rising Season 14, a stunt‑based reality show that showcased his athleticism. He later joined MTV Splitsvilla 10, a dating reality series, and gained further exposure as a contestant on Bigg Boss 11, which aired on Colors TV from October 2017 to January 2018. During Bigg Boss, Sharma’s on‑screen relationship with fellow contestant Divya Aggarwal ended after a conflict with Benafsha Soonawala. After his reality‑TV stint, he transitioned to digital content, appearing in web series such as Dillogical, Puncch Beat, The Holiday, Jab We Matched, Love on the Run, Runner Up and Hai Junoon, the latter of which starred Neil Nitin Mukesh, Jacqueline Fernandez, Boman Irani and Siddharth Nigam.

Industry analysts note that the shift from reality television to scripted and digital projects is a common trajectory for many Indian reality‑TV personalities. By focusing on acting and dance, Sharma positions himself for roles that require a blend of performance skills and screen presence. His recent work in web series has already demonstrated his versatility, and he has expressed interest in continuing to explore stage performances.

As Lock Upp Season 2 prepares for its June 27 premiere, the show’s producers have yet to confirm the full lineup. The series has already secured a high‑profile cast, including Shivangi Joshi, Sunita Ahuja, and Ram Kapoor, and the inclusion of a former reality‑TV star would fit the show’s pattern of blending celebrity and reality‑TV appeal. However, Sharma’s statement indicates that he will not be part of the upcoming season, and the rumors surrounding his participation appear to have been unfounded.

In summary, Priyank Sharma has clarified that his reality‑TV journey concluded in 2017 and that he is now concentrating on acting, dancing and stage work. The Lock Upp Season 2 cast remains largely undisclosed, with the show slated to debut on Netflix on 27 June 2026. Fans of Sharma can expect to see him in future web series, films or live performances, while the reality‑TV series continues to build its roster around other confirmed contestants.